Janika Sprunger in the team during the Nations Cup final: for the first time as a mother at a championship

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Janika Sprunger is back in the spotlight of a championship. It has been five years since the Amazon last competed for a title with the Swiss team: in 2018 at the World Championships in Tryon (USA). Since then, a lot has happened in the life of the Basel resident, who has been in a relationship with the Swedish show jumping rider Henrik von Eckermann (42) since that year.

In 2021, the two became parents of little Noah (2). The couple made their dream of their own riding school, the “Cyor Stables”, come true in the Dutch basin. The two showjumping horses were romantically married in the stable there in the autumn of 2022. Von Eckermann has now conquered the top of the world and is the benchmark of all things with the gelding King Edward, in whose saddle Sprunger sat until 2020.

Since becoming a mother, Sprunger’s appearances at the highest tournament level have become less frequent, but the 36-year-old is no less successful in her passion. The Olympic rider (2016 in Rio) is known for carefully introducing young horses to the top of the world. Like the gelding Palloubet d’Halong ten years ago or, more recently, King Edward.

With Orelie back to the top of the world

Currently it is a young mare named Orelie with whom the Amazon has jumped back to the top of the world. In June she finished fourth in the saddle at home at the CSIO St. Gallen. And the duo were part of the team that won the Swedish Nations Cup in Falsterbo in July. Now the selection for the Nations Cup final in Barcelona (Sp).

The fact that Orelie is only nine years old makes Sprunger very proud. There is a conscientious structure behind it that requires a lot of patience. Owner Tina Pol has entrusted her with Orelie for a year and a half. «Riding the Nations Cup final is the icing on the cake. “It is a great honor and a challenge at the same time,” she admits.

As a mother, she is at a new point in her life, but her ambition remains unbroken. “I’m not afraid of big goals.” But being a mother puts a lot into perspective in this demanding equestrian sport. “That can also become a strength. As a person I am stronger than ever,” she emphasizes. Son Noah participates in the tournaments. It took Sprunger a month to organize and orientate himself. Now the family, supported by an au pair with horse sense, is well attuned to each other – successful and happy. “We are having a lot of fun with it.”

Source : Blick